We're greatly enjoying The Incredible Mr. Don Knotts, a book about…well, you can probably figure out who it's about. Its focus is on the many, many motion pictures in which one of the world's most beloved comic actors appeared. You forget how many there were…but Stephen Cox and Kevin Marhanka haven't forgotten. They cover each and every one with detailed info, clever commentary and interviews with Knotts's co-stars and co-workers.
Not that the book isn't rich with vital info but I'd have liked to know more about one of Don's odder films, The Love God? (Its title included the question mark.) The movie was written and directed by the great Nat Hiken, creator of the Sgt. Bilko show and Car 54, Where Are You?, the latter another title that included a question mark. As I wrote here, this is not a great movie but I've heard from several folks that the original script, before Hiken began rewriting it and changing it, was quite brilliant. Just one of those things that intrigues me.
Pretty much everything Don Knotts ever did intrigued me. He was even fun to watch in his weaker movies, which Cox and Marhanka knowledgeably critique. It's about time someone wrote this book and I'm glad it was two guys who did such a good job. Order one here or order it somewhere else…but get a copy.